In The News
New Cold-In-Place Recycling Project Completed in Henry County
The Henry County Highway Department has recently completed
the Cold-In-Place Recycling (CIR) project along two roads, County Highway 39
(known as Bishop Hill Blacktop) and County Highway 24 (known as Kentville
Blacktop). The CIR project, which
began the end of May, was completed the middle of June.
Funding for the project was a result of Stimulus Funds from the Federal
Government.
The project consisted of recycling the existing asphaltic materials along both roads. This was the first attempt at this type of recycling in Henry County. The final phase of the road work was delayed due to the heavy rains during those weeks of scheduled work.
Experience in cold recycling indicates a need for obtaining
optimum moisture content in the reclaimed asphalt pavement material so that the
emulsified asphalt can be dispersed effectively in the mix. The recycled
mixtures are usually susceptible to damage from moisture intrusion and abrasion
by traffic. According to Henry
County Engineer, Steve Brandau, the moisture level needed to be below 2% before
the final seal coat could be applied.
“We had to wait until the material had a chance to dry out due to the
rainy period,” he added.
“This new type of process strengthens the base for roads
that will be black topped in the future,” stated Brandau.
Cold recycling of asphalt pavement is a method of recycling that can
yield significant savings in labor and materials, greatly reduce a project's
negative impact on the environment, and provide a sustainable answer to the
problem of asphalt concrete maintenance.
If the material permorms like the county anticipated, the CIR process will be
used on more Henry County roads next summer.
Progress Update on Hillcrest Home by Resident
Council President
At
a recent Henry County board meeting, resident council
president, John Hunt, spoke to county board members regarding the many
accomplishments and improvements that have taken place at Hillcrest Home over
the last several years. Mr. Hunt
gave a detailed report on the improved safety conditions, which were mostly paid
for through grant funding and not tax payer money.
Mr. Hunt has been a resident at Hillcrest Home since 2001 and
was elected council president in 2003.
He is now serving in his eighth year as council president.
He told members of the board at Tuesday’s meeting that he began assisting
the activity person with the calendar of events and then took over the
responsibility of writing thank you letters and points of view on behalf of the
residents at the home. A task he is
proud of.
“Mary Bergren deserves a pat on the back for all her hard
work,” stated Hunt. He admits that
he has learned a great deal from Bergren and enjoys spreading the good word
about the improved safety conditions that have transpired at the home.
“We now have new sidewalks in the courtyard, new electric doors and a
gazebo. The residents can’t wait to
get out there and use them this summer,” added Hunt.
He noted that the old sidewalks were unlevel and hard to walk on and were
not safe for the residents, whereas, residents will now be able to get around
better outside.
Local artist draws from his roots to paint his
prairie shoots
As color begins to return to flower gardens
everywhere and hues of purple and yellow crocuses dot each neighborhood, so
begins the greening of the prairie plants and grasses that adorn our rural
countryside fields. To one local
artist this is his invitation to pluck and paint a specimen of simple beauty.
George Olson of Woodhull is all too familiar with
the many species of prairie plants that grow in the area.
He has an eye for perfection and knows which stem he will bring to his
studio. An art history professor by
trade, his passion for painting tall prairie grass, barns and landscapes of
winter snow scenes keep him focused and searching for his next prey of the
prairie.
Olson and his wife Patricia, returned to the area
in 2000 after he retired from The College of Wooster in Ohio, where he began
teaching in 1963. “My wife grew up
in Woodhull, and we wanted a change of scenery,” stated Olson.
The couple met many years ago while attending Augustana College in Rock
Island. “My wife actually took more
art courses than I did,” commented Olson.
At the time, he was interested in the Augie choir.
As a watercolorist, Olson’s artwork and prairie
studies has been exhibited widely in the U.S. and England, including the local
communities of Galesburg, Monmouth and Bishop Hill.
He participated in the “Botanical Painting and other Works” art exhibit
at VagnHall Galleri in Bishop Hill as a group exhibition.
Additionally, he presented to a group in Monmouth at the Buchanan Center
for the Arts in November of 2009, on “Drawing the Plants of the Prairie,” and
also exhibited during the Plains and Prairie exhibit.
As a naturalist, his books of illustrations and text provide his readers
with a vivid picture of the natural splendor he captures with each painting.
Further venues where
his work has been on exhibit include Missouri Botanical Garden, Chicago Botanic
Garden, New York Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
This Traveling Exhibition: Losing Paradise focuses on endangered plants
of the U.S.
His collection of
watercolor drawings and natural history publications makes him a highly visible
local artist and one that is sought after frequently.
He was recently contacted by Henry County board member and chairperson of
the courthouse art committee, Betty Murphy.
Like many other local artists, he was called upon for a donation of his
artwork; a request that he quickly fulfilled with a painting entitled, “Ivy
Leaf, Morning Glory.”
“I first saw his work at Bishop Hill in the Bishop Hill Prairie Art's center
gallery above the pottery studio. Thought it was amazing and bought his
book which I read completely before giving him a call.
I told him about the courthouse
beautification project,” commented Murphy.
He went to the courthouse to see the art. A week later he called
and agreed to meet her with two paintings which he let her choose from.
“He has combined his interest in native prairie plants with his extraordinary
watercolor drawings to create unique works of art. We're so fortunate to
have one of his paintings in our courthouse,” added Murphy.
The recent donated
piece of art depicts the rich blue shade of this Blue Dawn flowering plant
captured to perfection. Although
recognizable throughout the Midwest, Olson admits that he sometimes will look
for something out of the ordinary while traveling around.
“I may spot a good specimen and decide to give it a try,” said Olson.
“If I find something in the field, I may snuggle up to the plant if
that’s what works for me that day.”
He is quick to
describe his work of plant studies as being done in the following manner; 1)
propagation and education, 2) workshops and slideshows, and 3) the final
artwork. “I feel they are all
related to each other,” added Olson.
As long as his eyesight remains good, he plans to continue his work in the field
of prairie plants.
Over the last year,
many forms of art have been donated to the courthouse including a variety of
paintings, photography and even pottery.
On the walls of the courthouse now hangs a permanent collage of history
that is enjoyed by all visitors to the courthouse.
It is the hope of the art committee that the collection in the courthouse
continues to expand down the hallways of this historical structure for all to
appreciate. It truly captures the
essence of what makes the communities and people of Henry County so unique.
Please click here to download and a print a copy of this fact sheet
Henry County
Gets Ready to Celebrate National County Government Month April 2010
Henry County Government has announced plans to participate
in the National County Government Month (NCGM) by raising public awareness and
understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government.
The 2010 theme is “Healthy Counties.”
In a recent study, Henry County ranked sixth out of 101 Illinois
Counties surveyed. The study was
based on how healthy people are and how long they live.
During the month of April, several informative “Fact Sheets”
about some of the important services that the county provides will be
distributed each week through the end of the month.
County Administrator, Colleen Gillespie, wants the citizens of Henry
County to understand the benefits of these types of services. “It’s important
that the people of Henry County realize how important these programs and
services are to the health of this county,” stated Gillespie.
Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has
encouraged counties across the country to actively promote county government
programs and services. Formerly National County Government Week, the designation
was expanded to a full month for 2010 to offer more counties additional
opportunities to plan and participate. Counties aren’t expected to hold public
awareness activities throughout the month, but can schedule activities any time
during the month.
The Henry County Courthouse
A place where walls teach history lessons
The Henry County Courthouse in
Cambridge, Illinois, will soon be celebrating its 130th year. It is
located at the west end of town adjacent to College Square Park, where it stands
three stories tall. It provides a magnificent view of the town from any window
on any side of the building. The courthouse walls have become a shrine for
local artists willing to donate their work so others can experience the trials
and tribulations that make up the past and present of Henry County.
Construction on the courthouse began in March 29, 1876. Initially, the building
was to cost $68,000, but a very rainy spring caused delays and costs soared to
$77,000. In fact, a windmill and well were built on site to provide a
continuous stream of water. The county board first expressed an interest in
building in 1866, but decided to postpone starting the structure as it was too
soon after the war to undertake such a big financial burden.
The architect hired to design the courthouse was Julian Hinckley from Indianapolis. The county board committee that was first appointed for the building included: James Blish, James Reherd, Thomas Mowers, John Morgan, and Nathaniel Gould. They hired Hiram Dickinson of Galva to oversee the daily work. The heating contractor was Haxtun Steam Heater of Kewanee, which is now Kewanee Boiler.
The foundation is unfinished stone that is 3 feet thick. Originally, Sageston Sandstone was used, but it began to erode away and was replaced with Bedford Limestone in 1942. There are sixteen distinct fireplaces throughout the courthouse at an original cost of $45.00 each. Every fireplace is unique in color and finish. The woodwork used is oak with some trimmed in black walnut. All the offices at one time had a sink tucked away in some small corner of the room. Some have now been removed or replaced with something more modern.
Stone that was used were 4 x 6 feet and 1 foot thick. By May of 1879, the walls were up to the 2nd floor. A large drum in the cellar used horse power to lift the stones into place. Horse drawn carts were used to carry the stones into the cellar. Some construction was delayed while waiting for iron beams.
Help in laying the
bricks came from Philadelphia. Two men were employed from Philadelphia because
the bricks were of a type that local bricklayers were not experienced in
laying. In October 1879, roof work began. In March 1880, Mr. Dirksen of Pekin
was employed to adorn the ceiling of the main courtroom. He was an artist of
some note in frescos and decorative painting. Some were disappointed that the
ceiling was not a dome, but instead was crafted as a lowering of the ceiling in
the middle of the room. Mr. Dirksen did the views of the four villages
including Cambridge, Kewanee, Galva and Geneseo with accurate detail. In the
renovation during the 1950’s, the painting was not touched. However, Mr.
Dirksen had painted corn and flowers on the ceiling in each of the corners.
These were not kept.
Once completed, decorating of the
offices began. The earlier blinds on the windows were made of cherry and
maple. In 1897, electricity supplanted the initial kerosene lamps. A system of
pipes was installed throughout the building for gas lights, but they were never
used.
A wing was added on the west side in 1940, and the west porch was removed at that time. In 1955, the interior was remodeled at a cost of $158,000, and the remaining three porches were removed. Then in 1969, some additional remodeling occurred, which created four new offices and a meeting room on the third floor. The most recent addition took place in 1998, when construction began on a new judicial wing. The expansion contains the jail, two courtrooms and offices for the circuit clerk, court services, states attorney, public defender and sheriff.
The Henry County Courthouse is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains a pillar in the county
and continues to be the hub of daily trafficking for people to do all sorts of
business throughout the building each day. The clock no longer strikes time and
is in need of some major repair, but its face serves as a reminder of just how
many years this building has provided essential services to the residents of
Henry County.
HENRY COUNTY ANNOUNCES CITIZENS FOR THE
RENOVATION OF THE HENRY COUNTY COURTHOUSE
A new committee has been formed in Henry
County to address the immediate need for courthouse renovations and repairs due
to the continuing deterioration of the exterior walls and roof of the
129-year-old structure.
The Citizens for the Renovation of the Henry County Courthouse is composed of
volunteers, representing all geographic areas of the county. Harold Ford
and Greg Peterson co-chair the committee. Jerry Meyer is the committee
treasurer, and Bill Philhower is committee secretary. Other citizens serving on
the committee are: Larry Lock, Tim Wells, Bernard Francque, Jim White, Byron
Carlson, Danny McDaniel, Everett Swanson, Tom Weston, Jens Rehder, Judy Rehder,
and Bill Schehl. Working with the committee are county board members Jesse
Crouch, Jim King, and Tom Steele.
Committee members will be available to speak to the issue with community
organizations seeking to learn more about the Public Facilities Sales Tax
Referendum, which is collected by the Illinois Department of Revenue and given
back to the county for this purpose. The public will have several opportunities
to learn about the amount needed for repairs and the one-quarter of one percent
sales tax increase. Any organization that would like a speaker is invited to
contact the committee through the courthouse at 309.937.3400.
Co-chair Harold Ford wants every town in the county to recognize the pros’ of
this temporary tax and what it can mean to the county. “As a group we are
working together to try and present this information to people so that they will
see the need to pass this sales tax increase,” stated Ford. He wants voters to
understand that the committee is unanimous in feeling that this is the best
method available and others from outside the county will help pay for the
repairs to the courthouse. “This is better than a property tax and it is
temporary,” added Ford.
Greg Peterson, co-chair of the committee brings experience based knowledge to
the group. "I inspect a lot of buildings
similar to the Henry County Courthouse in my profession as a structural
engineer. Past experience has taught me that repairs are needed to this
building now to prevent future repair costs from being even more costly or
eventually rising to the point that repairs become cost prohibitive,” stated
Peterson.
Members will be prepared to discuss what repairs
are needed including the areas of asbestos and lead paint abatement, tuck
pointing and mortar replacement for four rooftop chimneys, exterior masonry,
metal components that need to be cleaned of corrosion or replaced, dormer
repair, clock tower windows and seal all open masonry joints as well as roof
repair. Also outlined in the original cost estimate is repair to the clock
tower which includes window replacement, refurbish or replace the iron and slate
roof, replace access steps, repair the sheet metal in the bell enclosure and
inspect the tuck pointing on exterior of courthouse.
Additional information regarding the funding
details of the proposed sales tax referendum will also be presented. The much
needed repairs are now estimated to cost $2.840 million, which is an increase
over the $2.583 million originally quoted, but failed to achieve a majority vote
at the polls in April 2009.
According to Orion resident Jerry Meyer, “as a committee we are looking to this
issue as an opportunity to educate the public on the need for repairs to the
Courthouse. No one wants to approve a tax, but this will only cost the average
couple in Henry County less than $15 annually.”
Voters will be asked once again on the February 2, 2010 ballot to approve the
Public Facilities Sales Tax Referendum. Voting “yes” for a one-quarter percent
increase in the sales tax will provide the much needed funding to begin repair
and the restoration of the historic courthouse. The benefits to passing the
increase are many and the committee members feel that voters need to be
apprised of how it will affect them directly. The following points will be
outlined:
-
The revenue raised by the sales tax is restricted to repairing the courthouse.
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A one-quarter percent increase only amounts to an additional 25 cents on each $100 of personal retail good purchased.
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Groceries, medical expenses, titled property items, farm equipment and production supplies, and items not sold at retail are exempt from the tax increase.
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Anyone who buys retail goods in Henry County, even people who do not live in the county, will pay the tax.
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There is a sunset provision on the increase that ends it in a 10-year period.
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If enough money is raised before the sunset limit, the County Board will repeal the increase. It is projected that a one-quarter percent increase in the sales tax should generate enough revenue to pay for the repairs in a 7 to 8 year period, allowing the County Board to repeal the increase 2 to 3 years before the sunset date.
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If other monies become available for the repairs, the County Board will repeal the sales tax increase prior to the 10-year sunset period.
For more information, please call the Deputy County Administrator’s office at 309.937.3400.
The walls come
to life in the Henry County Courthouse
If the walls in the Henry County Courthouse could talk, they would tell you
about the trials and tribulations that the early settlers came to experience
over 175 years ago. The new artwork that now hangs in the Courthouse does just
that for the many people who pass through the hallways each day.
The assortment of framed paintings that outline the walls offer a glimpse of the
past and a voice of the future for life in the county. They also serve as a
reminder of the life and people who make up Henry County. The art represents
and embodies a true expression of the artists that have donated so much of their
time and talent for future visitors to enjoy.
The most recent addition by Bishop Hill Colony Potter Jeffrey Goard, is a 3-D
cone 10 functional (copper-matte) glaze stoneware platter that he designed in
his studio in Bishop Hill. At the request of Betty Murphy, chairperson of the
committee, Jeff designed and donated a piece that is similar to what he sells at
his studio. “I create functional pottery that people want and can use,” stated
Goard. He receives his inspiration from a great aunt who was an educator and
worked during the summer months doing pottery.
“I enjoyed watching her work and as I got older I emulated her work,” said Goard.
He became the new owner of the pottery shop in Bishop Hill on a chance meeting
four years ago during Memorial Day weekend. “I went to Bishop Hill with my
friend Rose, and during this visit learned that the current owner, Gail Hintze
was retiring.”
On the day of his stop over, he had a conversation with Ella Davidson and she
liked his work. “I began doing pottery during the Mid-Sommer and worked on the
wheel demonstrating and talking about the history and culture of the art,” Goard
said. He has owned and operated the pottery shop located inside the Prairie
Arts Center for three years at the present. The rest is now history for Goard.
“I believe it is a good fit here and I love art history and the utilitarian
society in Bishop Hill,” added Goard. He believes that people come to Bishop
Hill seeking history and culture and it is this experience that is so
important. Goard does not sell his pottery online, but instead prefers that
visitors view his work in the studio. According to Goard, “you can’t box up the
world and send it in the mail; people need to come to Bishop Hill for the fine
dining, culture, history and music.”
Goard’s stoneware piece now hangs on the main floor of this 128 year old
building. He joins 12 other area artists who have donated artwork including
oils and pastels. Their work is the structure and means by which people can
relate and understand the struggle and successes experienced by the people who
live and work in the county.
HENRY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP (HCEDP) SEEKS VISTA VOLUNTEER TO
FILL FULL-TIME PAID POSITION
The Henry County Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP) has received approval to
recruit a full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member.
The person selected to fill this paid volunteer position will assist with
community and economic development as well as support membership recruitment in
Henry County, Cambridge, Illinois.
The AmeriCorps*VISTA program places individuals with private organizations and
public non-profit agencies, allowing the individuals to help the organization
address issues related to poverty and economic development. Applicants are
expected to commit to one full year of service to the organization.
According to HCEDP committee member, Tom Newman, “this is a great opportunity for the
County to benefit from the AmeriCorps program and to start the economic
development process for the HCEDP.” One of the many challenging
responsibilities of this position will be to develop and execute the new
strategic plan of the HCEDP, which focuses on increasing membership to provide
funds for hiring a full-time economic development director in the near future.
“We are seeking candidates who are interested in economic development, community
service and public administration,” stated Newman. This position requires a
self-starter with flexibility, computer skills, and exceptional organization
skills. “Typically, this type of opportunity may be of interest to a recent
college graduate or a retired person interested in serving their community,” he
added. As an AmeriCorps member, volunteers will receive valuable “hands-on”
experience, which normally may not be obtained from a traditional, paying job.
Members will also learn teamwork, responsibility and other necessary skills for
achieving success.
Some of the basic benefits of serving for one full year include a modest monthly
living allowance, health care coverage, paid office expenses including mileage.
There is also the option at the end of service to accept an education award of
$4,725 or a post-service stipend of $1,200. As this is a full-time commitment
the VISTA cannot concurrently hold additional employment, nor attend classes.
For more information about the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, please visit
www.americorps.org.
Anyone interested in applying for the Henry County Economic Development
Partnership AmeriCorps*VISTA position, should contact Gisele Hamm, Illinois
Institute for Rural Affairs VISTA supervisor, at (309)298-4019 or via e-mail at
GF-Hamm@wiu.edu. Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, AmeriCorps, and HCEDP
are equal opportunity organizations.
HENRY COUNTY ASPHALT PLANT PAVES THE WAY
Once only a plan on paper, the asphalt plant is now
complete. After several set-backs including the soggy spring weather and other
unforeseen problems, the new asphalt plant is in full swing. According to
Steve Brandau, Henry County engineer, “all the equipment is here and the scales
have been calibrated. We’re up and running and making mix.”
Members of the Henry County board had an opportunity to tour the Cambridge plant
on Tuesday, September 8, prior to the regularly scheduled monthly board
meeting. Brandau gave details about the entire process from beginning to the
end product along with loading trucks from the silos.
“I am very impressed with the new County asphalt plant,” stated Henry County board member Jim King. “It is so efficient and "green", he added. Other board members agreed that the new plant is long overdue.
Just weeks ago, crews from Almix finished fine tuning the
motors, setting up the computers and wiring up the control house. Brandau
explained that it will take 1,100 amp for all the motors to operate
efficiently. They are set for a soft start, which brings the motors up slowly
to speed. He also mentioned that the new plant expects to do about 5 percent in
recycling of materials. This substance will be added to the mix to get just the
right “recipe” or blend for the asph
alt.
“The new plant operation has a gas recovery system and any unburned odors are collected and ignited and gotten rid of,” stated Brandau. Additionally, the new set-up offers other features at the plant including efficiency in its overall operation, the ability to have more control over speed and proportions and the high efficiency gas burner is much quieter when drying the aggregate.
Following the tour King commented, “We are fortunate to have the staff with the knowledge and expertise to keep it running. It is also good that Henry County was able to provide this new service without new taxes because of efficiency and saving money over the past 20 years in the Highway Department.”
HENRY
COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU REPORTS MARKETING
EFFORTS ARE PAYING OFF IN DOLLARS FOR THE COUNTY
The Henry County Tourism Bureau (HCTB) is pleased to report that the
Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBOT) has recently released numbers that reflect an
increase in tourists visiting Henry County including areas such as Bishop Hill
and the Hennepin Canal.
To evaluate hospitality trade, IBOT monitors areas of transportation, lodging, food service, entertainment & recreation, and general retail. The HCTB confirms these findings with its own increase in numbers. Reports show HCTB was up 16% in lodging and 4% in food/beverage.
According to recent state statistics, the Illinois tourism industry continues to grow at a record pace, generating billions of dollars in economic impact and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state. The statewide Economic Impact of tourism increased to a record setting $30.8 billion, which was a 3% increase from 2007, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
Additionally, visitors spent nearly $84 million in Illinois businesses every day in 2008. Over the last five years, the economic impact has grown by more than $7.8 billion in Illinois, which is a 34% increase. Although travel-generated jobs decreased in 2008, to 303,500, the state has still added 4,800 new jobs in the past five years. Reports show that state and local tax revenues generated $2.14 billion from travel spending, which is its highest level ever and $33 mission more than last year. Over a five-year period this is an additional $454 million. Other data indicates the total generated tax revenues (federal, state and local) save the average Illinois household over $1,100 in taxes each year.
Henry County economic impact of tourism rose 14% over 2007 with $39.14 million expenditures generating a payroll of $5.81 million, supporting 22,000 jobs in 2008. Most importantly the taxes generated were $2.48 million in state receipts and $840,000 in local receipts. All statistics are provided by the Economic Impact Report on Illinois Counties.
Last year’s negative closing announcements made by the former Governor may have fueled an interest in areas such as Bishop Hill and resulted in a positive outcome for the County. The additional exposure has gained attention to these great historical sites and sparked an interest in the public. Other contributing factors are increased marketing promotional efforts, a statewide distribution of visitors guides, five travel shows in 2008-2009, and marketing efforts in niche print for new markets is aiding in tourism.
According to Cathy Foes, director for HCTB, “tourism is magical and affects every community industry and infuses new money into the community’s economy which in the end may help keep property taxes lower.” Foes also believes the current economic times may be giving local tourism a boost. “The numbers speak for the tourism board’s creative strategic marketing efforts to brand Henry County’s offerings from the unique festivals and events, history/heritage, and recreational opportunities,” added Foes.
Additional HCTB goals for fiscal year 09-10 include internet marketing with new website to be launched February 2010. Also, the Tourism Bureau is laying the foundation to attract motor coach tours which the new website will feature sample itineraries day tripping, overnight tours and motorcycle routes within Henry County. A stronger emphasis on media relations to spread the word of Henry County’s historical communities, heritage travel, recreational opportunities, innovative festivals, artistic charm and eclectic shopping and dining experiences.
For more information on Henry County tourist activities and events, please contact the director, Cathy Foes, at 309-937-1255 or view the website at www.visithenrycounty.com
Articles submitted by: Deb VanDeWoestyne, Henry County Public Information Manager